If you missed the big news that Namco will be including Star Wars characters in Soul Calibur 4, you probably had a busy day at the office. Either that, or you just missed it -- which is cool too. By noon today, it just seemed like a super-coordinated Namco/LucasArts internet marketing megabomb went off. By 3:00pm, everyone had pictures of Vader and Yoda looking mighty spiff in their new high resolution glory (they do look damn fine). But, we don't like pictures at the CGC. Rather, we like actual video. So behold, Yoda and Vader in the new Soul Calibur trailer from CES.

Let's play "Namco Marketing VP" for a few minutes, shall we? Play along kiddies, you might learn something.

Namco VP: "Soul Calibur 2 did extremely well. In fact, it sold best on the Gamecube when it originally launched. Yet, Soul Calibur 3 didn't fair so well. I just can't imagine why..."

Marketing Analyst: "Actually sir, our research shows there are two definitive reasons that part 2 outperformed part 3. Firstly, console exclusive characters were very popular. In fact, Link from Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series propelled the Gamecube version to the top of the charts. The Xbox version with Spawn did extremely well too, and Heihachi from our Tekken series pulled up the rear on Playstation 2. Secondly, Soul Calibur 3 was only on the Playstation 2."

Namco VP: "Ah yes, I remember that deal we struck with Nintendo and Todd McFarlane. So you think we just need to get a few characters besides those girls with giant breasts, eh? That doesn't sound too difficult. Talk to Bob in finance and see how much we can offer LucasArts to include a couple characters from Star Wars. Star Wars anything always sell well. Star Wars: Masters of Teräs Käsi was a stinking pile of garbage, and Sony is hocking their Darth Vader PSP right now. They won't be able to say no to a minimal revenue sharing plan. Oh, and make sure it's on at least two consoles."

With Star Wars: The Force Unleashed almost definitely missing 2008, Namco knew Lucasarts would say yes. Lucas has to keep Star Wars in the public eye - especially with the new television show still over a year away. Putting Star Wars characters in a traditional and technically proven fighter makes perfect sense for everyone involved. The amazing thing is that no one saw it coming.

So are you ready for the next big thing coming? I'm willing to bet Vader and Yoda are just the tip of the iceberg. The force is strong in this one, indeed.